Favorite Events are Celebrated by Locals, Visitors

Signature Events

Sul Ross State University SportsFrom baseball to track and field, basketball to tennis to football, sports fans can keep busy cheering for the Sul Ross Lobo teams. Events throughout the school year. www.srlobos.com

Big Bend Livestock ShowNow in its 72nd year, the annual Big Bend Livestock Show in January gives tri-county FFA and 4-H students an opportunity to compete for scholarships by showing their lambs, pigs, goats and steers. Additional events include a horse show and silent auction. Details on Facebook at Big-Bend-Livestock-Show-Association

Texas Cowboy Poetry GatheringEach February, cowboys, cowgirls and western devotees converge from across the American West and Canada to share stories of cowboy life through poetry, stories, and music.Free daytime sessions run concurrently. Evening events showcase featured performers and include a Saturday night dance. Chuck wagon breakfast at Poets’ Grove each morning. February 24-25, 2017. www.texascowboypoetry.com.

Trappings of TexasEach April, the Museum of the Big Bend showcases the best in cowboy gear and Western art. For details, see page 27.

Cinco de MayoJoin the festivities commemorating the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Alpine’s celebration is a local tradition featuring an enchilada dinner, themed parade, music, dancing, car show and the Grand Mercado.Go to visitalpinetx.com/events/cinco-de-mayo/

Drive Big BendEscape city traffic and drive the open roads of West Texas. The Drive Big Bend car festival features antique, classic and performance automobiles in three days of tours, music, happy hours and a car show at Kokernot Field in Alpine. May 27-29, 2016. www.drivebigbend.com.

Fourth of July CelebrationA parade followed by live music, family activities and fireworks at Kokernot Park bring fun and excitement to Alpine.

Viva Big Bend Music FestivalCelebrating its fifth year, Viva Big Bend is a four-day music festival featuring over 50 bands covering a variety of genres, plus an art show and kids activities. Held at venues in Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis and Marathon. July 28-31, 2016. Visit vivabigbend.com.

Big Bend Ranch RodeoCalling all cowboys - and those who wish they were cowboys. At the annual Big Bend Ranch Rodeo, working cowboys participate in events that celebrate local ranching heritage and highlight a unique American lifestyle. August 12-13, 2016. www.BigBendRanchRodeo.com.

Alpine Cowboys BaseballIn 1989, Sports Illustrated called Alpine’s Kokernot Field “The best little ballpark in Texas (or anywhere else).” Enjoy the view and cool breezes while watching the Alpine Cowboys professional baseball team at this historic ballpark, styled after Wrigley Field. Season opens late May and ends early August. alpine.pecosleague.com/

ArtwalkThousands come to Alpine for this two-day celebration of regional art and artists that includes music, parades and a silent art auction. November 18-19, 2016. See article on page 9. artwalkalpine.com

Center for Big Bend StudiesAnnual ConferenceJoin historians, archeologists, folklorists and other researchers studying the past and present of the Big Bend, Trans-Pecos and northern Mexico at this two-day conference at Sul Ross State University. November 11-12, 2016. Visit cbbs.sulross.edu